Sources: Jays, Reds talking possible Rolen deal
The Reds and Blue Jays have had discussions within the past several days about a trade that would send Toronto third baseman Scott Rolen to Cincinnati, major league sources told FOXSports.com on Saturday.
The sides are still trying to determine which players would head to Toronto in the deal, but the source said that third baseman Edwin Encarnacion would be included.
A deal was not imminent as of Saturday afternoon, as Rolen played third base for the Blue Jays during their extra-inning game against Tampa Bay. The possible Rolen trade could also be affected by Toronto's ongoing trade talks relating to Roy Halladay.
Rolen won a World Series while playing for current Reds general manager Walt Jocketty in St. Louis. Cincinnati officials have been looking for a right-handed hitter such as Rolen for much of the season.
Rolen is having his best year since 2006, batting .319 with seven home runs and 37 RBIs.
The Reds, who have lost five straight games, are widely expected to sell at the deadline. But acquiring Rolen would give the team a head start on planning for 2010, since Rolen is already under contract for next year at $11 million.
Unless owner Bob Castellini plans to expand the team's payroll, acquiring Rolen may necessitate that Jocketty move other salaries off the books. One source with knowledge of the team's plans said the Reds have already made right-handers Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo available on the trade market.
Harang will earn $12.5 million next year, Arroyo $11 million.
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